An Open Gate

If grace is God's greatest gift to humanity then prayer has to be the greatest tool, or weapon for a Christ-follower's arsenal in the battles of life.  The writer of Hebrews reminds Christ-followers that we have complete and total access to the very throne of God in prayer.  Eugene Peterson translates it this way in The Message:

Now that we know what we have-Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God-let's not let it slip through our fingers.  We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality.  He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all-all but the sin.  So let's walk right up to him and get what he is ready to give.  Take the mercy, accept the help.   Hebrews 4:14-16

I think we often underestimate, or under utilize this access on behalf of others.  A prayer of intercession (on behalf of someone else) is a powerful privilege for Christ-followers.  God hasn't left us empty-handed when Jesus ascended to heaven following his resurrection.  Christ is at work as our High Priest giving us access to God in heaven.  We simply need to boldly approach Him as we pray for others.  Think of it like a farm gate, or massive castle door that's been busted open for us by Christ.

The old school used the phrase, to tarry in prayer.  It means to linger in expectation, to delay, to abide or stay in place.  What a great image.  Think of Jesus in the Garden on the night of his betrayal praying the prayer of his earthly life.  Sweating drops of blood.  He was tarrying in prayer to the Father.

When's the last time you told someone you would pray for them and you tarried for them?  Not a quick prayer mentioning their need/concern and asking God to act.  When's the last time you pressed into God, lingered and put everything else on hold to appeal to Him on behalf of someone?  My hunch is that many of us pray, but we don't really linger in prayer over others.  Who do you know right now that needs you to linger before God?

• Someone hurting physically, battling an illness, depression, etc.
• A friend going through serious marital struggles
• A family member in desperate need of salvation
• The co-worker battling an addiction
• The ministers and elders/leaders of your church
• A fellow student living in a dysfunctional family
• Someone enslaved and being sold in human trafficking 
• The politicians and authorities God has placed over you
• A neighbor about to lose her job

What would happen if just 50% of us (Christ-follower's) really went to the mat and tarried on behalf of these and others?  I don't think we've seen or realized the full impact of such a prayer effort in our world.  I know the world would look different if Christ-followers took our access to the throne of grace more seriously.  Every day, every hour, every minute we have complete and total access to the very Creator of human DNA.  So what are we waiting for?  Let's take advantage of our access and tarry awhile for others.  The gate is open because of Jesus, let's walk through it!